Kate j



(No Mdel.)

K. J. (100K. BICYCLE SKIRT.

Patented July .'21, 1896-,

'me Nunms PETER: co.. Puma-Lune.. wnmnton. D. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

KATE J. COOK, OF NEV YORK, N. Y.

BICYCLE-SKIRT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 564,271, dated July 21,1896.

Application tiled April 29, 1896. Serial No. 589,528. (No model.)

T0 @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, KATE J. COOK, a citizen of the United States,residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bicycle-Skirts; andI do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exactdescription of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in theart to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to apparel, and especially to bicycle-skirts forlady riders. Its object is to provide in a single garment one which willprevent Contact of any of the parts with the wheels or gearing of themachine, which will be comfortable in use, and which will be gracefulupon the user.

The invention consists of a main dividedskirt portion extending down toa point about on a level with the ankles, a trousers-seat which isadapted to be hooked or buttoned to the front portion of the skirt, anda strap or straps extending around the lower end of each part of thedivided skirt to take up the folds of the skirt and convert it intotrousers. Around the waist the skirt-band hooks or buttons at therear,making the garment it closely to the form at that point.

The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich- Figure l is a perspective view of the garment used as a skirt.Fig. 2 is a similar 'view of the same when used as trousers. Fig. 3 is aback view of the same, showing the waistband thrown open. Fig. 4. is across-section.

Like reference-numerals indicate like parts throughout the severalviews.

The skirt part l is made upon a waistband 2 and extends down to a pointopposite the ankles of the wearer. This skirt part is suitably plaitedand is divided longitudinally at the center,forming two leg portions,asclearly shown. rlhe rear sides of the leg-pieces have reinforcing-strips3 8 secured to them, to the upper ends of which is secured thetrousersseat piece 4, which is adapted to lbe hooked or buttoned to thewaistband 2 and afterward partially covered, if desired, by folding theskirt-band 2 around at the rear and connecting the ends thereof. At thelower ends of the reinforcing-strips 3 are secured straps 5 5, which areprovided for the purpose of securing the folds of the skirt when it isdesired to convert the skirt form of the garment into its trousers form.These straps are also adapted` to be buttoned closely to thereinforcing-strips 3 when the garment is used in its skirt form.

From the foregoing description it will be evident that when the user ofthe garment desires to mount her wheel it is only necessary to unbuttonthe straps 5 5, turn them around to the front, and catch up the folds ofthe skirt. Vhen in this position, it is impossible for any portion ofthe garment to come in contact with the gearing of the machine, andthereby tear the dress or otherwise interfere with the proper movementsof the rider. At the same time, by reason of the trousers-seat 4, thereis never any portion of the garment which can inconveniently come incontact with the seat of the bicycle. When the rider dismounts and hasoccasion to walk in the garment, it is only necessary, in order toconvert the same into its skirt form, to unbutton the straps 5 5 fromaround the folds of the skirt and button the same along the rear inclose contact with the reinforcing-strips 3 3. I also provide at pointsalong the line of division of the two parts of the skirt hooks and eyes6 6, which may be utilizedif desired for making the closure between thetwo parts of the skirt more complete.

I-Iaving thus described my invention,what I claim as new7 and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

rlhe herein-described convertible garment which consists of a dividedskirt comprising two loose leg portions secured to a suitable waistband,reinforcing-strips sewed to the rear sides of the leg portions, a seatportion constituting a rear fall secured to the upper end of saidreinforcing-strips, hooks or buttons thereon, by means of which it maybe attached to the waistband, and straps attached to the lower side ofsaid reinforcing-strips, whereby the folds ofthe garment may be taken upfor the purpose of converting it from its skirt form to its trousersform, sub` stantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses.

KATE J. COOK. Vit-nesses AUGUSTUS FEEY, WEBSTER CASE.

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